Announcing the winners of The Chelsea Awards 2023

Hundreds of nominations for the Chelsea Awards were submitted from all corners of the community, with the winners decided by a panel of local independent judges: Councillor Preety Hudd, The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; Sir Nicholas Coleridge, former media executive, cultural chair and resident; Peggy Porschen, entrepreneur and business owner; Victoria Steward-Todd, Director of the K+C Foundation; Jason Atherton, Michelin stared chef soon to open a neighbourhood restaurant; Dr James Thompson, Chairman of The Chelsea Society and Hugh Seaborn, CEO of Cadogan.

Hugh Seaborn, CEO at Cadogan comments, “A vibrant local community has never been more important and it was a privilege to celebrate together in the Royal Hospital, an incredible venue that holds a very special place at the heart of Chelsea.’

2023 Winners

Only in Chelsea – A business that brings something unique to the area

Shortlist: The Sea, The Sea, Chelsea Physic Garden and Love My Human

Winner: Love My Human. The judges said: ‘Love My Human is a luxury pet store and grooming emporium on the King’s Road. They also offer pampering, spa days, a dog-friendly café, a creche and an LMH Pup Club with exclusive dog membership.’

Cultural Champion – An organisation that has enriched Chelsea’s cultur

Shortlist: John Sandoe, 606 Club and Bill Wyman

Winner: 606 Club. The judges said: ‘One of the busiest jazz clubs in Europe since 1976, 606 Club plays everything from jazz, soul, groove, Latin, R&B, funk, gospel, blues and Groove artists, with live music seven nights a week – even coming out on to the King’s Road, performing live gigs this summer.’

Community Collaboration – Business who have joined forces for the greater good

Shortlist: Chelsea History Festival, Kensington & Chelsea Foundation, Kensington + Chelsea Art Week

Winner: Chelsea History Festival. The judges said: ‘The Chelsea History Festival was founded in 2019 as a partnership between the National Army Museum, the Royal Hospital Chelsea and Chelsea Physic Garden, with its primary goal to entertain, educate and inspire through local, national and global history.

Community Hero – An organisation or person that has benefitted the community through their actions

Shortlist: Max Barley, Rebecca Handley, Avis Hawkins

Winner: Max Barley. The judges said: ‘Max Barley is Director of Music at Holy Trinity, Sloane Square. He started Songs and Soup, a community initiative in the form of a free singing club on Tuesday afternoons, open to everyone irrespective of age or experience. Songs and Soup has allowed people to become part of a community, bonded by a mutual love of singing.’

Future Forward – A company innovating to meet tomorrow’s challenges

Shortlist: Anabela Chan, Auriens, RIXO

Winner: RIXO. The judges said: ‘Born out of the university living rooms of Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey in 2015, RIXO has fast-tracked its way in to hearts and wardrobes across the globe, and are celebrated for keeping the creative spirit of Quant and Westwood alive on the King’s Road.’

In Good Taste – Someone who has made Chelsea more delicious

Shortlist: Birley Bakery, Finns, The Surprise

Winner: Finns. The judges said: ‘First opening in 1985, Finns is modelled on the delis of New York and traiteurs of Paris, using seasonal ingredients and both modern and traditional cooking methods. Today they still independently trade out of their shop on Chelsea Green, preparing all dishes fresh in the kitchen each day.’

Master of Craft – An artisan who elevates the everyday to the extraordinary

Shortlist: Kiki McDonough, Provenance Village Butchers, The Roasting Party

Winner: Kiki McDonough. The judges said: ‘For almost 40  years, Kiki McDonough has been the destination for colourful fine jewellery synonymous with British craftsmanship, responsibly-sourced gemstones and playful pieces to celebrate every moment of her customers’ lives.’

–

#ChelseaAwards2023